By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
OVER the weekend, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, kickstarted the sale of rice at discounted prices to civil servants, demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of the state’s workforce.
The launch occurred at the ‘Oja Irorun” Civil Servants Farmers’ Market at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Governor Abiodun hailed the event as a significant stride in the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the living standards of workers in the state.
In his words, he notes: “Ogun State civil servants’ dedication and hard work form the bedrock of the progress and prosperity of our dear state,” emphasizing the vital role of workers in his administration’s achievements.
“Recognizing this invaluable essence of workers, the administration has graciously approved the sale of high-quality rice at discounted prices exclusively to the workforce,” Abiodun stated.
Encouraging employees across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to seize the opportunity, Abiodun urged them to embrace the government’s benevolent gesture.
In his address, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Head of Service, lauded the government’s initiative which aims to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the state workforce.
While urging workers to reciprocate the government’s goodwill through dedication to duty, union leaders, Comrade Isa Olude and Comrade Ademola Ahmed-Benco, commended the governor for the initiative, asserting that it would enhance the purchasing power of the people and promote worker welfare.
Expressing gratitude, beneficiaries such as Mrs. Temitope Akintayo from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Mr. Olabanji Sanni from the Ministry of Environment, lauded the state government’s efforts and pledged continued diligence in service delivery.
The rice distribution was overseen by Mr. Onasanya on behalf of the government, who also provided buses at no cost to transport workers from the venue, noting that Gov Abiodun has consistently implemented measures to shield the state’s workforce and citizens from the adverse effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The initiatives, he also said, include monthly cash palliatives, peculiar allowances, provision of CNG buses, and a substantial end-of-year bonus for civil/public servants last December.